The roadside environment is an important community asset because it is a large area, used by almost everyone with a variety of ecological, economic and social values. Like all assets it must be managed and maintained. Management of roadside environments can be improved through the preparation of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs).
From 2004–08, the REC managed a large project grant from the NSW Environmental Trust to support local councils in assessing native vegetation along their roads and producing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans. As a result of this project about two-thirds of local councils in the State now have these or similar plans. Since then, the REC has concentrated on reviewing and consolidating work undertaken to support leading practice over the past 15 years.
Preparing a roadside management plan is a four step process.
- Assessment
- Planning
- Implementation
- Monitoring and Review
1. Assessment
The first step in preparing a roadside management plan is to assess the roadside to identify what features are present. Local Government, LHPA, Landcare and other community groups may all be involved in the assessment of the various features that roadsides contain.
A fact sheet outlines the assessment process in developing a roadside management plan.
A roadside assessment sheet is provided as an Excel spreadsheet to enable people to consistently collect and record data over vast lengths of road from varying roadside vegetation communities.
2. Planning
The second step in preparing a roadside management plan is to determine what management actions can or need to be undertaken in the roadside area and identify where these areas are located. The actions will depend on what features are present. A fact sheet outlines the planning step.
Local Government, LHPA, Landcare and other community groups may all be involved in the planning of the various features that roadsides contain.
Vegetation is arguably the most important environmental feature of roadside and other linear reserves. All local councils are encouraged to develop Roadside Vegetation Management Plans for the roads they manage. To assist in the development of RVMPs across NSW these Guidelines are available.
3. Implementation
When the management plan has been developed and actions planned, works need to be implemented in accordance with the plan. A useful strategy to assist in the successful implementation of a plan is to increase the awareness of the plan through training.
A fact sheet outlines the important third step in developing a roadside plan - implementation.
4. Monitoring and Review
Monitoring and reviewing actions being undertaken is important in any plan. Adjustments to time lines, expectations and the condition of roadside areas are common.